If you're looking for a new job, either because you're unemployed or want something better, time is money, and you don't want to waste it. Idealist Careers suggests the 20-20-60 approach: 20% of your time on job boards, another 20% courting recruiters or hiring managers directly, and 60% networking with people who can help your search.

The rule is a bit of an oversimplification of course, but the ideas are in the right place. Job boards are great places to find potential openings, but they're not terribly great places to try and apply, so while you should definitely keep an eye on them, your time is better spent elsewhere as opposed to just combing boards for new listings to apply to. Spending 60% of your time networking—as in, really talking to people who may be able to give you a lead on not just a job, but a good job, or put you in touch with the right people—is a no brainer. We've talked about how to build a real professional network before (aka, friends who can help you out with work-related things), and they'll always be your best source of leads.

The only piece we'd give or take on is the 20% of your time spent courting recruiters. We'd extend that to hiring managers as well, since not everyone likes working with recruiters, and not every industry or company uses recruiters to fill positions. If you spend 20% of your time reaching out directly to anyone who can make the decision to get you in the door or not, that's a good use of your time. Hit the link below to read more, and some tips to get you started.